. Black Greek-Letter Fraternities and Masculinities

. Black Greek-Letter Fraternities and Masculinities

Reynaldo Anderson

Paul M. Buckley

Natalie T. J. Tindall

Publisher:

University Press of Mississippi

DOI:10.14325/mississippi/9781604739213.003.0006

This chapter examines fraternity stereotypes by focusing on the tropes of the “Man’s Man,” “Ladies’ Man,” and “Gentleman” as they relate to three black Greek-letter fraternities (BGLFs): Kappa Alpha Psi, Alpha Phi Alpha, and Omega Psi Phi. It shows how these relatively newfound cultural images are propelled in part by the racist imagery of black men as animals. After reviewing the literature on the historical formation of BGLFs, social identity, and stigma, the chapter explores how BGLFs interpret black manhood, how African American men construct identities, and how they survive in a cultural situation that can sometimes be hostile.

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